Anti-androgenic activities of diuron and its metabolites in male Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Linear and undulating periodized strength plus aerobic training promote similar benefits and lead to improvement of insulin resistance on obese adolescents

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Aerobic fitness level modulates the effects of prior supramaximal exercise on pulmonary VO2 response during moderate-intensity exercise

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of aerobic fitness on the effects of prior exercise on VO2response during subsequent moderate-intensity exercise. After determination of the lactate threshold (LT) and maximal VO2 (VO2max). 14 untrained subjects (UG) and 14 well-trained cyclists (TG) performed on different days and in random order, rest to moderate-intensity exercise transitions (6 minutes at 80% of LT), preceded by either no prior exercise or prior supramaximal exercise (PSE: two bouts of 1 minute at 120% of VO2max, with a 1-minute rest in between). Baseline VO2 was significantly increased (p<0.05) by PSE in both groups (UG: 0.39 ± 0.06 vs. 0.51 ± 0.15 L·min -1;TG: 0.37 ± 0.06 vs. 0.58 ± 0.14 L·min -1). In the TG group, the steady state VO2 was significantly increased by PSE (TG: 2.21 ± 0.38 vs. 2.07 ± 0.27 L·min-1, p<0.05; UG: 1.60 ± 0.27 vs. 1.60 ± 0.29 L· min-1, p>0.05). It can be concluded that aerobic fitness level influences the effects of PSE on VO2 response during moderate-intensity exercise. [J Exerc Sci Fit • Vol 7 • No 1 • 48-54 • 2009].

Effects of re-stripping on the seminal characteristics of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) during the breeding season

Seminal characteristics in teleost fish with an annual reproductive period, such as pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), may vary during the breeding season. The sperm formed before the beginning of the spawning period may be stored for a long time, causing damage to the cells. Therefore, re-stripping may be an important way to eliminate the old and allow for the collection of new spermatozoids. In this study, we analyzed the seminal characteristics of hormonally induced pacu at the beginning, middle and end of the breeding season, and we analyzed samples from re-stripped males (stripped first at the beginning, re-stripped in the middle, and re-stripped again at the end of the season) during two breeding seasons. The sperm density, ionic composition, pH, and osmolality were similar among the groups. The semen volume, seminal plasma protein concentration and incidence of morphologically anomalous sperm increased over time. In addition, some parameters that are associated with good-quality semen decreased, such as sperm motility, viability and DNA integrity. Moreover, we observed a positive association among motility, viability and DNA integrity for sperm with elevated 11-ketotestosterone, but there was no such association for fshb or lhb mRNA levels in the pituitary. The semen that was obtained earlier (at the beginning) or from re-stripped males exhibited better characteristics than the other samples collected. In conclusion, collecting semen from pacu at the end of breeding season should be avoided; it is preferable to strip early and then re-strip later in the season, and this approach may be used for diverse aquaculture purposes.

Desempenho de tractores florestais processadores

A time-and-motion study in wood processing of the Eucalyptus harvester's operational cycle was developed. The objective was to evaluate wood harvesters working under several site conditions. The research includes two kinds of harvesters while processing wood to supply paper and cellulose factories, as follows: a machine with twin tires and other one with large tracks, both connected to a different head harvester models. The forestry species were Eucalyptus saligna Smith and Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden, seven and eight years old, in slope terrains ranging from 0% to 10% degrees, under harvesting systems used by Votorantim and Suzano forestry companies, in São Paulo State, Brazi. Considering all field research, results disclosed that, for some conditions, both machines have shown mathematical correlation between some mechanical wood operation within the processing operational cycle and the saw logs production. All the mathematical correlations were found to express logarithmical models.

Técnicas y lenguajes documentales por el brasileño Eduardo Coutinho

1. Introduction. Eduardo Coutinho represents the development and innovation of the Brazilian documentary. His career is still marked by a novel technique of interviews with participants also mix documentary with other communication techniques, especially fiction and journalism. This article provides a recovery path Coutinho and his major works. 2. Method. A literature review and analysis of filmic discourse is applied to understand the history and languages ​​adopted by Coutinho during his career as a documentary. 3. Who was. Before acting as a documentary, Coutinho has studied law but always acted in theater and visual arts. This discussion presents Coutinho before documentaries. 4. Frames by Eduardo Coutinho. The main works of the documentary are presented, as well as its important features that transform the filmography of director in one of the most important in Brazil. 5. Conclusions. We conclude that Eduardo Coutinho has left a gap in the Brazilian documentary, since his death in 2014. However, their contributions are transformed the genre, as the results presented in the article.

The influence of "C-factor" and light activation technique on polymerization contraction forces of resin composite

Objectives: This study evaluated the influence of the cavity configuration factor ("C-Factor") and light activation technique on polymerization contraction forces of a Bis-GMA-based composite resin (Charisma, Heraeus Kulzer). Material and Methods: Three different pairs of steel moving bases were connected to a universal testing machine (Emic DL 500): groups A and B - 2x2 mm (CF=0.33), groups C and D - 3x2 mm (CF=0.66), groups E and F - 6x2 mm (CF=1.5). After adjustment of the height between the pair of bases so that the resin had a volume of 12 mm(3) in all groups, the material was inserted and polymerized by two different methods: pulse delay (100 mW/cm(2) for 5 s, 40 s interval, 600 mW/cm(2) for 20 s) and continuous pulse (600 mW/cm(2) for 20 s). Each configuration was light cured with both techniques. Tensions generated during polymerization were recorded by 120 s. The values were expressed in curves (Force(N) x Time(s)) and averages compared by statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's test, p<0.05). Results: For the 2x2 and 3x2 bases, with a reduced C-Factor, significant differences were found between the light curing methods. For 6x2 base, with high C-Factor, the light curing method did not influence the contraction forces of the composite resin. Conclusions: Pulse delay technique can determine less stress on tooth/restoration interface of adhesive restorations only when a reduced C-Factor is present.

Mapping of angular leaf spot resistance QTL in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under different environments

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume for human diet worldwide and the angular leaf spot (ALS) is one of the most devastating diseases of this crop, leading to yield losses as high as 80%. In an attempt to breed resistant cultivars, it is important to first understand the inheritance mode of resistance and to develop tools that could be used in assisted breeding. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to ALS under natural infection conditions in the field and under inoculated conditions in the greenhouse. Results: QTL analyses were made using phenotypic data from 346 recombinant inbreed lines from the IAC-UNA x CAL 143 cross, gathered in three experiments, two of which were conducted in the field in different seasons and one in the greenhouse. Joint composite interval mapping analysis of QTL x environment interaction was performed. In all, seven QTLs were mapped on five linkage groups. Most of them, with the exception of two, were significant in all experiments. Among these, ALS10.1(DG,UC) presented major effects (R-2 between 16% - 22%). This QTL was found linked to the GATS11b marker of linkage group B10, which was consistently amplified across a set of common bean lines and was associated with the resistance. Four new QTLs were identified. Between them the ALS5.2 showed an important effect (9.4%) under inoculated conditions in the greenhouse. ALS4.2 was another major QTL, under natural infection in the field, explaining 10.8% of the variability for resistance reaction. The other QTLs showed minor effects on resistance. Conclusions: The results indicated a quantitative inheritance pattern of ALS resistance in the common bean line CAL 143. QTL x environment interactions were observed. Moreover, the major QTL identified on linkage group B10 could be important for bean breeding, as it was stable in all the environments. Thereby, the GATS11b marker is a potential tool for marker assisted selection for ALS resistance.

Use of Hg-Electroplated-Pt Ultramicroelectrode for Determining Elemental Sulphur in Naphtha Samples

This paper describes the applicability of a Hg-electroplated-Pt ultramicroelectrode in the quantification of elemental sulphur in naphtha samples by square-wave voltammetry. A reproducible deposition methodology was studied and is reported in this paper. This methodology is innovative and relies on the quality of the mercury stock solution to obtain reproducible surfaces required for the analytical methodology. All analyses were performed using a Hg-electroplated-Pt ultramicroelectrode (Hg-Pt UME) due to the low sensibility of such devices to ohmic drops in resistive solutions. The responses of the peak areas in voltammetric experiments were linear in all of the range studied. The method developed here is accurate and reproducible, with a detection limit of 0.010 mg L-1 and a good recovery range for both standard solutions of elemental sulphur (85 to 99%) and real naphtha sample (79%). These results attest to the potential for the application of this electroanalytical methodology in determining elemental sulphur in naphtha samples containing mercaptans and disulphides.

Impact of filler size and distribution on roughness and wear of composite resin after simulated toothbrushing

Objectives: Nanofilled composite resins are claimed to provide superior mechanical properties compared with microhybrid resins. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare nanofilled with microhybrid composite resins. The null hypothesis was that the size and the distribution of fillers do not influence the mechanical properties of surface roughness and wear after simulated toothbrushing test. Material and methods: Ten rectangular specimens (15 mm x 5 mm x 4 mm) of Filtek Z250 (FZ2), Admira (A), TPH3 (T), Esthet-X (EX), Estelite Sigma (ES), Concept Advanced (C), Grandio (G) and Filtek Z350 (F) were prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. Half of each top surface was protected with nail polish as control surface (not brushed) while the other half was assessed with five random readings using a roughness tester (Ra). Following, the specimens were abraded by simulated toothbrushing with soft toothbrushes and slurry comprised of 2: 1 water and dentifrice (w/w). 100,000 strokes were performed and the brushed surfaces were re-analyzed. Nail polish layers were removed from the specimens so that the roughness (Ra) and the wear could be assessed with three random readings (mu m). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's multiple-comparison test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Overall outcomes indicated that composite resins showed a significant increase in roughness after simulated toothbrushing, except for Grandio, which presented a smoother surface. Generally, wear of nanofilled resins was significantly lower compared with microhybrid resins. Conclusions: As restorative materials suffer alterations under mechanical challenges, such as toothbrushing, the use of nanofilled materials seem to be more resistant than microhybrid composite resins, being less prone to be rougher and worn.

Underlying Event measurements in pp collisions at root s=0.9 and 7 TeV with the ALICE experiment at the LHC

We present measurements of Underlying Event observables in pp collisions at root s = 0 : 9 and 7 TeV. The analysis is performed as a function of the highest charged-particle transverse momentum p(T),L-T in the event. Different regions are defined with respect to the azimuthal direction of the leading (highest transverse momentum) track: Toward, Transverse and Away. The Toward and Away regions collect the fragmentation products of the hardest partonic interaction. The Transverse region is expected to be most sensitive to the Underlying Event activity. The study is performed with charged particles above three different p(T) thresholds: 0.15, 0.5 and 1.0 GeV/c. In the Transverse region we observe an increase in the multiplicity of a factor 2-3 between the lower and higher collision energies, depending on the track p(T) threshold considered. Data are compared to PYTHIA 6.4, PYTHIA 8.1 and PHOJET. On average, all models considered underestimate the multiplicity and summed p(T) in the Transverse region by about 10-30%.

C-Phycocyanin protects SH-SY5Y cells from oxidative injury, rat retina from transient ischemia and rat brain mitochondria from Ca2+/phosphate-induced impairment

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment are essential in the ischemic stroke cascade and eventually lead to tissue injury. C-Phycocyanin (C-PC) has previously been shown to have strong antioxidant and neuroprotective actions. In the present study, we assessed the effects of C-PC on oxidative injury induced by tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BOOH) in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, on transient ischemia in rat retinas, and in the calcium/phosphate-induced impairment of isolated rat brain mitochondria (RBM). In SH-SY5Y cells, t-BOOH induced a significant reduction of cell viability as assessed by an MTT assay, and the reduction was effectively prevented by treatment with C-PC in the low micromolar concentration range. Transient ischemia in rat retinas was induced by increasing the intraocular pressure to 120 mmHg for 45 min, which was followed by 15 min of reperfusion. This event resulted in a cell density reduction to lower than 50% in the inner nuclear layer (INL), which was significantly prevented by the intraocular pre-treatment with C-PC for 15 min. In the RBM exposed to 3 mM phosphate and/or 100 mu M Ca2+, C-PC prevented in the low micromolar concentration range, the mitochondrial permeability transition as assessed by mitochondrial swelling, the membrane potential dissipation, the increase of reactive oxygen species levels and the release of the pro-apoptotic cytochrome c. In addition, C-PC displayed a strong inhibitory effect against an electrochemically-generated Fenton reaction. Therefore, C-PC is a potential neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke, resulting in reduced neuronal oxidative injury and the protection of mitochondria from impairment. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Motor Neuron Disease and Acquired Axonal Neuropathy Association in HIV Infection: Case Report and Update

Background: A possible viral etiology has been documented in the genesis of motor neuron disorders and acquired peripheral neuropathies, mainly due to the vulnerability of peripheral nerves and the anterior horn to certain viruses. In recent years, several reports show association of HIV infection with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Syndrome, Motor Neuron Diseases and peripheral neuropathies. Objective: To report a case of an association between Motor Neuron Disease and Acquired Axonal neuropathy in HIV infection, and describe the findings of neurological examination, cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging and electrophysiology. Methods: The patient underwent neurological examination. General medical examinations were performed, including, specific neuromuscular tests, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, muscle biopsy and imaging studies. Results and Discussion: The initial clinical presentation of our case was marked by cramps and fasciculations with posterior distal paresis and atrophy in the left arm. We found electromyography tracings with deficits in the anterior horn of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Dysphagia and release of primitive reflexes were also identified. At the same time, the patient was informed to be HIV positive with high viral load. He received antiretroviral therapy, with load control but with no clinical remission. Conclusion: Motor Neuron disorders and peripheral neuropathy may occur in association with HIV infection. However, a causal relationship remains uncertain. It is noteworthy that the antiretroviral regimen may be implicated in some cases.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator for Secondary Prevention in Chagas' Heart Disease

Assessing the efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) in patients with Chagas' heart disease (ChHD) and identifying the clinical predictors of mortality and ICD shock during long-term follow-up. ChHD is associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Although ChHD is a common form of cardiomyopathy in Latin American ICD users, little is known about its efficacy in the treatment of this population. The study cohort included 116 consecutive patients with ChHD and an ICD implanted for secondary prevention. Of the 116 patients, 83 (72%) were men; the mean age was 54 +/- 10.7 years. Several clinical variables were tested in a multivariate Cox model for predicting long-term mortality. The average follow-up was 45 +/- 32 months. New York Heart Association class I-II developed in 83% of patients. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 42 +/- 16% at implantation. Of the 116 patients, 58 (50%) had appropriate shocks and 13 (11%) had inappropriate therapy. A total of 31 patients died (7.1% annual mortality rate). New York Heart Association class III (hazard ratio [HR] 3.09, 95% confidence interval 1.37 to 6.96, p = 0.0064) was a predictor of a worse prognosis. The left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.972, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 0.99, p = 0.0442) and low cumulative right ventricular pacing (HR 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.11 to 0.49, p = 0.0001) were predictors of better survival. The left ventricular diastolic diameter was an independent predictor of appropriate shock (I-ER 1.032, 95% confidence interval 1.004 to 1.060, p = 0.025). In conclusion, in a long-term follow-up, ICD efficacy for secondary sudden cardiac death prevention in patients with ChHD was marked by a favorable annual rate of all-cause mortality (7.1%); 50% of the cohort received appropriate shock therapy. New York Heart Association class III and left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of worse prognosis, and low cumulative right ventricular pacing defined better survival. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2012;110:1040-1045)

Bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis: the role of TNF-alpha in the induction of endothelin system genes

Endothelins (ETs) are involved in several inflammatory events. The present study investigated the efficacy of bosentan, a dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. CIA was induced in DBA/1J mice. Arthritic mice were treated with bosentan (100 mg/kg) once a day, starting from the day when arthritis was clinically detectable. CIA progression was assessed by measurements of visual clinical score, paw swelling and hypernociception. Histological changes, neutrophil infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated in the joints. Gene expression in the lymph nodes of arthritic mice was evaluated by microarray technology. PreproET-1 mRNA expression in the lymph nodes of mice and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by real-time PCR. The differences were evaluated by one-way ANOVA or Student's t test. Oral treatment with bosentan markedly ameliorated the clinical aspects of CIA (visual clinical score, paw swelling and hyperalgesia). Bosentan treatment also reduced joint damage, leukocyte infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and IL-17) in the joint tissues. Changes in gene expression in the lymph nodes of arthritic mice returned to the levels of the control mice after bosentan treatment. PreproET mRNA expression increased in PBMCs from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients but returned to basal level in PBMCs from patients under anti-TNF therapy. In-vitro treatment of PBMCs with TNF alpha upregulated ET system genes. These findings indicate that ET receptor antagonists, such as bosentan, might be useful in controlling RA. Moreover, it seems that ET mediation of arthritis is triggered by TNF alpha.